The Importance of Active Reading

By Gina Bellisario How to Read Actively Active reading is a proven technique that strengthens our comprehension and retention. It is far superior to passive reading because it builds connections between our thoughts and the words on the page. The stronger the connections, the greater our understanding. There are many kinds of strategies that keep… Continue reading

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Reading and Student Success

By Gina Bellisario It’s widely known that literacy is important. After all, we use our reading and writing skills every day. But how important is it to a student’s success? The answer is clear: The more students read, the more they achieve. Why read? Research proves there’s a strong connection between reading and achievement. Students… Continue reading

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SAT or ACT? Part 2

by Dr. Emily Matson, Test Prep Specialist Last post, we discussed some differences between the SAT and ACT Verbal sections, and today we will focus on Math and Science. If Math is your student’s A-game, then the SAT may be their best bet, whereas if your student loves Science, then they might do better taking… Continue reading

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SAT or ACT?

by Dr. Emily Matson, Test Prep Specialist Most schools accept either SAT or ACT scores, so your student may be wondering which one to focus their energy on. This depends on your student’s strengths – if your student is stronger on Reading, for instance, the SAT might be their best bet, whereas if your student… Continue reading

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Colleges that Superscore

by Dr. Emily Matson, Test Prep Specialist It is useless to try and superscore your SAT if the colleges you are applying to do not superscore! While many schools do superscore, others only take the scores for the highest sitting. Luckily, College Board has compiled a comprehensive list of colleges that superscore, which is available… Continue reading

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Strategies for Superscoring

by Dr. Emily Matson, Test Prep Specialist If you want to use superscoring to your advantage, there are a few strategies that can really help boost your scores. First, plan on taking the SAT multiple times. Second, leading up to each SAT, focus on a particular section. For one SAT, focus most of your preparation… Continue reading

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What is Superscoring on the SAT?

by Dr. Emily Matson, Test Prep Specialist When colleges superscore an SAT, they take your total highest scores instead of just your combined scores on a particular day you took the SAT. For instance, say you take the SAT twice. The first time, your score is 700 Verbal, 640 Math. The second time, your score… Continue reading

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Strategies for Successful Online Learning
By Gina Bellisario

This past March, students across the United States were introduced to the concept of online learning. Althoughhigh schools and colleges have offered online courses for a number of years, many students found themselvesimmersed in a brand-new experience, with every one of their subjects being taught in a completely remotefashion.Online learning, as with any experience, comes… Continue reading

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Dysgraphia and Its Effect on Writing
By Gina Bellisario

Writing can be a difficult undertaking. Even the most experienced authors struggle with finding the best wordsto communicate their ideas. But what happens when students have dysgraphia? The task can feelexponentially more challenging.What is Dysgraphia?Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects a student’s writing skills. Not only can it cause students tostruggle with penmanship, it… Continue reading

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The COVID-19 Advantage Blog Post by Devanshi Patel (Novastar Prep Learning Coach)

During the past few months, you may or may not have enjoyed your time at home. For some of us, it took a few weeks to get accustomed to this new lifestyle that was unexpectedly, and maybe even unwantedly, handed to us. Regardless of how you feel about these circumstances, remember to use this time… Continue reading

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